MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Al-Shabaab fighters have last night attacked two neighbourhoods in Mogadishu, prompting clashes with the security forces, the internal security ministry confirmed.
Al-Shabaab has attacked a police station in Kahda district followed by heavy gunfire between heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters and the government forces, according to sources.
The fighting reportedly lasted for about an hour before the assailants were forced to retreat.
About half an hour later, two heavy explosions were heard in Dar al-Salaam neighbourhood in Yaqshid district. The blasts were followed by sporadic gunfire.
The explosions reportedly targeted the Hilwa deputy district commissioner who was in the area.
In a Twitter post, Somali Internal Security minister Abdullahi Nur said the forces foiled the attacks and defeated the militants.
“At 1:00 am, the terrorist attacked the suburbs of Mogadishu and targeted our police stations & checkpoints, & I am informing to the Public that our security forces defeated the enemy & the Police Force will share further information to the public when it is possible and available,” the minister said.
The casualties and damages caused by the attacks are not yet known with initial reports saying police vehicles were destroyed in Kahda attack.
The incidents hours come after UN Security Council expressed concern over the deteriorating insecurity in the capital.
During the meeting, UN envoy in Somalia, James Swan said Al-Shabaab fighters remain a potent threat to peace and increased improvised explosive device attacks in the country.
“Political divisions and prolonged delays in the elections have allowed insurgent forces to make some recent gains,” he said. “The group’s modus operandi remains unchanged, with Banadir region and South West State the centre of its attacks.”
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